Norris Scott Gardiner, born March 11, 1950, was the son of Gretchen Scott Gardiner and William Henry Gardiner. The youngest of three children, he grew up in the small Long Island town of Northport, New York, where he spent many hours on the water sailing with his father.

Scott played football at Northport High School and later at Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York as a defensive tackle. After graduating with a degree in Business, he began his career with the Marriott Corporation, managing restaurants in New York.

Scott met his wife, Kathy, in 1975 at the Joshua Tree restaurant on Long Island, where he was the assistant manager, and Kathy worked as a waitress. Their first conversation began when Scott noticed Kathy was upset at the terminal and offered to help. That simple gesture marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Their first date took place at Hot Dog Beach in the Hamptons.

Six years later, in 1981, Scott and Kathy were married in Huntington, New York, and moved to Annapolis, MD, to begin their life together and raise their family.

In 1979, Scott founded The Gardiner Group, an accounting and business advisory firm based in Severna Park. What began as a small practice grew steadily under his leadership into a trusted firm known for its close relationships with clients. Scott believed strongly in personal service, integrity, and practical guidance, and he took great pride in supporting local entrepreneurs and the broader business community. The Gardiner Group reflected Scott’s commitment to professionalism and community involvement, values he carried into his service as president of the Annapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Glen Burnie Chamber of Commerce.

A passion for sailing was instilled in Scott by his father and grandfather. In his twenties and thirties, he competed extensively in regattas on the Long Island Sound and Chesapeake Bay, including Block Island Race Week. Weekends and Wednesday nights often found him on the water, captaining a Seidelmann 37 to many victories. He also served as a United States Naval Academy sailing coach and enjoyed introducing the sport to many Midshipmen over the years.

Scott adored his children, and being their father was his greatest joy. He loved coaching them in soccer and lacrosse, and teaching them about boats and the treasures of the Chesapeake Bay. He was blessed with nine grandchildren and cherished every moment with them. He loved large family gatherings, trips to the Outer Banks, skiing adventures, and backyard crab feasts. Summer afternoons often found him reading by the pool, beneath the shade of the crepe myrtles, entertaining family and friends with stories of hitchhiking across the country and unforgettable sailing adventures. His grandchildren could often be heard laughing and calling out, “Watch me, Grandad!”

When asked to describe his perfect day, Scott would say one spent by the pool with his children and their spouses -- talking and laughing, while the grandchildren chased bubbles and played on the swings. And, as always, his favorite music would be playing -- Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Kenny Chesney, likely including his favorite “The Boys of Fall.”

Scott is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Josh (Jackie), Jessica (Jake), Ryan (Katie), Meghan (Mike), and Erin (Logan); and his grandchildren, Maya, (18), Sienna (17), Savanna (14), Christopher (12), Liam (9), Norah (7), Tucker (6), Reagan (4), and James (2), who were the light of his life. He is also remembered with love by extended family and many friends whose lives were enriched by his warmth, humor, and generosity.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care on Wednesday January 21st from 5-7pm.

The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Andrew by the Bay Church on Thursday January 22nd at 11am.

Memorial Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation